It was suggested by Gareth Southgate that as England slid to their 2002 World Cup quarter-final defeat against Brazil, his team-mates were looking for Churchillian inspiration and instead got something more akin to Iain Duncan-Smith.

Clearly, City's players respond to more gentle coaxing judging by the way they responded to Eriksson's simple home truth as they trailed against the Trotters.

"When I looked at the players as they were about to come out for the second half, they looked a bit like a defeated team," he said.

"Their heads were down and I said if they carry on looking like that we would not win the game. It changed them and after that they were a lot more positive."

Two-one down after El-Hadji Diouf and Kevin Nolan had overturned Rolando Bianchi's early effort, City roared back to claim a 4-2 win; their ninth successive Premier League home triumph this term.

The hosts levelled when Lubomir Michalik deflected Dietmar Hamman's curling shot into his own net, Darius Vassell turned home Martin Petrov's low cross to put the Blues in front 13 minutes from time before Kelvin Etuhu sealed a place in the top four ahead of Grand Slam Sunday with an injury-time strike.

Although Bianchi was not on the pitch as Etuhu finished Bolton off, the Italian had major cause for celebration, marking his first start since September with his fourth goal of the campaign.

It has long been predicted Bianchi will leave Eastlands in January, just six months after his £8.8million arrival from Reggina.

The presence of Mexico forward Nery Castillo in the stadium, prior to a loan move from Shakhtar Donetsk, only fuels that theory, although Eriksson has nothing but praise for Bianchi.

"Rolando has behaved extremely well," he said.

"He has not played many games for us but he has always worked hard in training and does what he is supposed to do.

"He always has a smile on his face and today he scored an important goal."

Given the lack of forward options available to their manager, most City fans are bemused by Bianchi's lack of opportunities.

However, Eriksson believes the new boy has found it hard to adapt to life in England, although there are clear signs his settling-in period is at an end.

"It is more difficult for strikers coming into the Premier League," he said.

"They are not used to the pace or the strength of the central defenders. But I think we can see now Rolando is coming on very well."

Eriksson responded to reports of a deal being done with Castillo by saying: "If and when it is 100% I will tell you." In the Swede's way, it was as good as saying the contract is signed.

Bolton boss Gary Megson will also enter the transfer market next month in an effort to strengthen a defence that, in the absence of Andy O'Brien, has conceded eight goals in their last two away games.

"We have chucked four goals away," said Megson.

"Andy O'Brien is not Bobby Moore or Franz Beckenbauer but we certainly miss him.

"And if we miss him that much, someone either needs to step up to the plate or we need to bring someone in from outside."